The Intriguingly Mysterious Story of Sydney Smith, The Giraffe-Necked Woman
Others with the Same Practice
Neck collars appear to be a common tradition in many communities throughout the world. While Sydney has stated that she was influenced mostly by the Asian states of Thailand and Myanmar, the tradition is also found on the African continent.
In South Africa, the Ndebele use neck circles known as “idzila,” which are taken as a sign of wealth and marriage in African tradition. It’s a present from a husband to his wife, and it’s made of brass or copper and commonly worn in multiples of three. These bands are also worn by women on various areas of their bodies, such as the arms.
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